This document discusses recent volcanic activity in Ecuador and the hazards it poses. It describes eruptions of Reventador in 2002 and Pichincha in 1999. It also mentions crater lakes near volcanoes like Cotopaxi that pose lahar risks. Over 250,000 people now live in valleys below Cotopaxi despite a deadly 1877 mudflow, and an eruption would be disastrous due to development on old lahar deposits. Tungurahua has also been active since 1999 near Banos.